Morning painted the sky in hues of gold and pink as we reluctantly bid farewell to the Marriott's embrace. The buffet at Greens, a familiar haven, was abuzz with a polyglot of tongues – Russian, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese. I settled for a modest breakfast of oatmeal, drizzled with honey, and a cup of black coffee, its aroma a potent elixir that jolted me awake. The coffee, thick and rich, was a testament to Vietnamese coffee culture.
The journey back to the mainland was swift, the speedboat slicing through the water with surprising efficiency. The dock,a marvel of engineering, boasted V-shaped recesses that cradled the incoming boats with precision. Facial recognition,that ubiquitous hallmark of modern technology, once again facilitated our passage.
The drive to Ponagar, a mere twenty minutes, offered glimpses of Nha Trang's burgeoning tourism industry. The coastline was a necklace of international hotels – Sheraton, Intercontinental, Novotel, and countless others – each vying for a slice of the tourist pie. It was a testament to the city's growing appeal as a global destination.
The Po Nagar Cham Towers, a stark contrast to the modern skyline, stood as a sentinel of the past. The air was thick with reverence, a palpable sense of spirituality permeating the space. Devotees, their faces etched with devotion, knelt in prayer, their silent communion a stark contrast to the cacophony of tourist chatter. The ubiquitous selfie stick, a symbol of modern tourism, was omnipresent, a constant reminder of the shifting sands of time.
The discovery of durian stalls near the towers was a delightful surprise. The king of fruits, as it's often called, is a divisive delicacy, its pungent aroma either adored or abhorred. Vietnam, it seemed, was a durian powerhouse, its reputation as a major exporter well-deserved.
As the van carried us back to the airport, a sense of anticipation mingled with a tinge of melancholy. Nha Trang, with its blend of ancient and modern, had captured our hearts. The journey to Hanoi awaited, a new chapter in our Vietnamese adventure.
NEXT: https://wheetecktravelogues.blogspot.com/2024/07/2024-07-23-hanoi-hustle-and-buffet-bliss.html
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